A Newsletter for Amherst College Employees

The Office of Human Resources is pleased to announce the launch of Amherst Works, our new e-newsletter. Through the newsletter we hope to provide another means of communication to spotlight our employees, share new initiatives and highlight important resources for staff and faculty.

Since we all help to make Amherst special, each publication will feature individuals in a department. Other sections may include Arrivals and Departures, Important Benefit News, an ACPP Corner, Training & Development Opportunities, Health & Wellness Notes and a column with Amherst Experts sharing tips among other things. Please let us know if there is anything else you would like to see in a future issue by e-mailing hr@amherst.edu.

We will publish 3 times a year—Fall, Winter and Spring. Like other departments on campus, we are moving toward electronic communication which will reduce costs and support our green initiatives. Paper copies of the newsletter will be distributed to facilities, dining services and rental housing employees. As we continue to face changing times it is more important than ever to share information, engage our community and celebrate our successes with each other.

Crosby and Free Money

Have you begun using your free money? Active employees enrolled in one of the College’s health insurance plans effective July 1, 2010, received a one-time College contribution for the Amherst Plan Medical Spending Account administered by Crosby Benefits: $385 for those enrolled in family coverage; $175 for those enrolled in individual coverage. Continued...

Ergonomics—Not Just for Computer Users

Everyone has heard of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is one of many types of repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) caused by long-term and repetitive use of awkward postures, combined with forceful exertion. RMIs are just not due to computer use, but can occur from prolonged use of tools, from excess weight on your shoulder from carrying heavy backpacks or purses, and even from reaching too far overhead. Continued...

Need Help with Life’s Challenges?

Winter Car Survival Gear

AAA recommends you carry these items in your car during the winter months:

Ice scraper and brush

Coffee-can furnace

Boots, gloves, hat

Tools and flashlight

Tire traction material such as sand or cat litter

Food and blanket

Jumper cables

First-aid kit

Cell phone

Flares or reflective triangle

Shovel

Call our employee assistance program provider, The Wellness Corporation, for help in a number of personal, life and work issues. They can help with short-term counseling, budget and debt counseling, legal matters, balancing the stress of work and family life, new parent issues, elder and childcare problems, to name a few. Up to certain limits these services are free to you and your family. Call The Wellness Corporation at (800) 828-6025, or visit their website at www.WellnessWorkLife.com, and see how they may be of assistance to you and your family.

Employee Council Created

A new Employee Council will represent virtually all non-faculty employees of the College. It will replace the Advisory Committee on Personnel Policies (ACPP), which began as an appointed subcommittee of the Affirmative Action Committee. Continued...

Department Trivia

Ever wonder how many elevators are on campus? Or how many acres of grass Amherst has to mow? Or how many volumes are in the library? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Department Trivia.